Boschendal Chardonnay Reserve 1999

A bold yet refined and well-integrated wine, with a lemony aroma and zesty citrus flavours beautifully balanced by a soft, buttery character from barrel fermentation and maturation. Served with fish and shellfish, poultry and soft cheeses.

in the cellar : Viticultural Details100% Chardonnay from a 15-year-old vineyard high on the cool, eastern slopes of the Simonsberg. The variety of clones within the vineyard gives complexity and character to the wine.

Vineyard ManagementVineyards were spur-pruned at the end of July, with excess shoots removed shortly after budding in September. This was followed up in November, leaving only the two to three best-developed shoots per spur. Two weeks before harvest, leaves were removed between bunches inside the canopy, taking care not to expose grapes to direct sun. This resulted in better aeration in the bunch zone and ensured flavour retention in the berries.

HarvestAll grapes were hand-picked at 23Â° Balling.

VinificationThe grapes were crushed and the mash was cold-settled at 10Â°C for two days before being tranferred to barrels where it was innoculated with a pure yeast culture. Fermentation took place at 22Â°C for six days, after which 13 % was allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation to enrich flavour and complexity. The wine was matured in French oak for nine months on its primary lees; 40% in 1st- and the balance in 2nd-fill barrels. During this time the lees were stirred monthly to enhance the mouthfeel of the wine.